Tea Set, 925 Silver Niello — 4-piece, Cup, Tea Strainer & Spoon

925 Silver Tea Set — Cup, Saucer, Tea Strainer, and Spoon for a Complete Tea Ritual

A tea set is complete when nothing is missing. These four pieces made of 925 sterling silver cover the entire ritual: The cup holds 300 ml, the tea strainer sits on it like a lid and keeps the tea warm while it steeps, the spoon is ready, and the saucer holds everything. The same large-figure niello floral motif runs across the cup, lid, and saucer — sunflowers, tendrils, a lush black band on polished silver that brings all four pieces together into a single image. SevChern from Veliky Ustyug crafted this set according to the principles that have distinguished this northern Russian manufactory since 1683: each flower hand-engraved into the silver, permanently filled with niello, transferred to four pieces that are inseparable from each other.

495 grams of silver in a gift box — divided among the cup, saucer, tea strainer, and spoon, assembled for a person who takes tea seriously.

The Tea Strainer as a Lid — How the 4-Part System Works

The tea strainer is the key to this set. It doesn't sit somewhere next to it — it sits on the cup. The strainer insert with its ring handle fits precisely on the rim of the cup and seals it like a lid: The tea steeps warmly, no heat is lost, no leaves float freely. When the infusion is ready, you lift the strainer out by the ring — and place it on the inverted lid, which then serves as a drip tray. The tea drips into the lid, not onto the saucer, not onto the table. A closed system.

This principle — strainer as a lid, lid as a drip tray — is not new, but rarely executed so consistently in solid 925 silver. The tea strainer with lid weighs 160 grams: That's the weight of a piece that works and still has a presence in the hand that you won't forget. Ø 9.6 cm, height 7 cm — it sits stably on the cup, it doesn't fall off.

Anyone who uses this set is not performing a simplified tea ritual. They have everything they need: the right cup, the right strainer, the right spoon, the saucer that holds it all together. Nothing is missing. Nothing is too much.

Niello Floral Motif on Cup, Lid, and Saucer — One Motif, One Image

The floral motif on this set is the largest-figure in the SevChern line: broad, space-filling blossoms — sunflowers, roses, curving tendrils — that occupy the entire band of the cup wall. Not a small, intricate decorative pattern that disappears from a distance. A motif that can be read from three meters away. The same motif runs on the lid, the same band frames the saucer. The four pieces belong together — that's immediately clear at a glance.

Niello makes this effect possible. The black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur is melted into finely engraved depressions and permanently bonded with the silver — not a print, not enamel, but part of the metal itself. The deep black of the blossoms against the bright polished silver of the wall: a duet that needs no further color. No gilding, no patina effects — just silver and niello, defining each other.

The teaspoon bears a single niello blossom at the end of its handle — the same family, smaller format, the same craftsmanship. Holding the spoon, one holds the same thought as the cup: consistently executed, no detail forgotten.

SevChern Veliky Ustyug — 340 Years of Niello Tradition

The SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Oblast in Northern Russia, has been producing niello silver since 1683. The niello tradition of this city carries a geographically protected designation of origin — authentic niello from Veliky Ustyug may only be produced there, comparable to Champagne from the Champagne region or Parmesan from Emilia-Romagna. In 1937, this tradition received a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris.

Each of the four pieces in this set undergoes six production stages: shaping the silver blank — hand-engraving the floral motif — niello melting into each engraved channel — grinding and exposing the motif — final polishing — quality control and hallmarking. Transferred to four different forms — cup, lid, saucer, spoon — this means: the same motif, hand-engraved four times, so that it speaks the same language everywhere. The Russian Federal Assay Chamber confirms the 925 alloy on each piece. The master's maker's mark is present.

What you hold in your hands when you unbox this set for the first time: four pieces that belong together — and the weight of almost half a kilogram of Russian silver art, carrying a history of more than three centuries.

As a Gift — Tea Lovers, Weddings, Anniversaries, Mother's Day

A complete tea set as a gift says something different than a single cup: It says that thought has been put into it. Not just about the object, but about the ritual behind it — that someone doesn't just drink tea, but celebrates it. This set is made for that person: Everything is there, everything from one source, everything from one story. For a wedding: a gift for two who share their morning tea. For an anniversary: a piece that gets better with every year it's used. For Mother's Day or a birthday: for someone who values quality over quantity.

Personal engraving is available upon request — on the bottom of the cup or in a less ornamented spot, with a date, initials, or a short dedication. The gift box is included: all four pieces packaged together in satin, ready to present immediately — nothing else needs to be purchased.

For collectors of Russian silver art: full hallmarking, documented origin, large-figure floral motif in the classic SevChern hand-engraving tradition, a 4-piece set from a single creation. A serious addition that won't get lost in any collection.

Care — 4 Parts, One Rule

The same rule applies to all four parts: hand wash only with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. No dishwasher, no silver dip, no ultrasonic cleaner — these methods attack the niello inlay. The floral motif is permanently melted in and does not fade; it requires no special care other than avoiding aggressive chemicals.

The tea strainer can be easily rinsed with lukewarm water after use — tea leaves or bag residues can be easily removed from the strainer. Store dry, ideally in the accompanying gift box. Silver develops a patina with genuine use, which makes the niello motif stand out even more — this is not a flaw, it is character.

Frequently Asked Questions

How exactly does the tea strainer work as a lid?
The tea strainer is two-part: strainer insert and lid. The strainer insert fits on the rim of the cup and closes it like a lid — the tea steeps warmly and covered. After steeping, remove the strainer insert and place it on the inverted lid, which serves as a drip tray. The tea drips into the lid, not onto the saucer. A closed, clean system.

Is 300 ml the right size for tea?
Yes — 300 ml corresponds to a classic European teacup size. For comparison: Moka cups hold 80–120 ml, cappuccino cups 150–200 ml. 300 ml is the size for which most tea recipes and brewing times are designed — enough for a full tea enjoyment without it getting cold before you finish.

Does the tea strainer only fit this cup?
The tea strainer with Ø 9.6 cm was developed specifically for this cup (Ø 8.5 cm inside, rim slightly wider) and is designed to fit it. It is a set component, not a universal accessory. It may not be suitable for other cups — the secure fit on the cup rim is the result of a custom fit.

What is niello — and why does the motif last permanently?
Niello is a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions and permanently bonded with the silver. Not a lacquer, not a color, not a print — but part of the metal itself. The motif does not fade and does not wear off. It remains as the engraver intended.

Can I reorder individual parts of the set separately?
This service is offered as a complete 4-piece set. In case of damage to individual parts — such as the teaspoon or saucer — please contact us: We will check if individual parts from this series are available. SevChern manufactures on order, which generally makes the availability of individual parts possible.

Further pieces of Russian silver art:
→ Coffee & Tea Sets made of 925 Silver — all sets
→ Coffee & Tea Ware with Niello made of 925 Silver
→ Table Silver & Silverware with style and soul
→ Wedding Gifts made of 925 Silver